Finding Net Torque in Cable Car Turnaround

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the net torque for a cable car turning on a turntable. The car, measuring 8.20 m in length, is acted upon by two forces of 195 N each, applied perpendicularly at both ends. To find the net torque, the radius is determined to be 4.1 m, and the torque is calculated using the formula Torque = Force x Radius. The confusion arises from ensuring both forces contribute to the total torque, leading to the realization that both must be added together for the final calculation. Understanding these concepts is crucial for solving the problem accurately.
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I don't always pick up on little things in problems. In this particular problem, I am unsure of how to draw the picture when the car is rotated.
Here is the problem:

In San Francisco a very simple technique is used to turn around a cable car when it reaches the end of its route. The car rolls onto a turntable, which can rotate about a vertical axis through its center. Then, two people push perpendicularly on the car, one at each end, as in the drawing. The turntable is rotated one-half of a revolution to turn the car around. If the length of the car is 8.20 m and each person pushes with a 195-N force, what is the net torque applied to the car? (Use the randomzed force given in red above for your calculations, not the 185 N force labeled in the figure.)

http://www.webassign.net/CJ/09_04.gif (That is the picture)

I am confused about how to use the "one-half of a revolution turn" into the problem. I know that one revolution is 360 degrees, and a half is 180 degrees. Am I correct in making that statement based on the one-half of a revolution turn statement?

Please help.
 
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That sounds like a correct assumption to me. Anyway, I think you'll want to find the radius of the circle, and the torque will just be FxR
 
do you mean radius = 8.20 / 2 = 4.1
and then 195 * 4.1? I did that and got a wrong answer. I think I am missing something that you are trying to tell me.

Net torque.. so do I have to add those two forces * the radius?
 
okay. dur. i got it.
 
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